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Scrambled Eggs.....

Do you know what a redd is? A redd is where trout lay their eggs and reproduce. Knowing how to identify a redd is crucial during Spring and Fall as fish set up camp to spawn and will remain there for sometimes months. Shallow rocky areas of a stream known as shoals provide this haven for a trout's reproduction. Redds contain the smallest stones and pebbles in a given stream and allow the female create her nest and cover her eggs so they cannot be swept downstream. The males then move onto the redds to fertilize the eggs and the cycle of life continues. When wade fishing, it is our duty to recognize these features of the riverbed and avoid walking on or over redds. The same can be said for floaters that may scrape the bottom through shallow areas of the stream. Crushed eggs = less fish in the future. What angler would wish for less fish in their favorite waters?

A conundrum with spawning trout is that these fish, male and female, make themselves highly susceptible to birds and anglers as they are on display in shallow water. This can be hard for an angler to ignore but we must realize they need to do their thing and make more fish for the future. Spawning fish do not feed heavily due to all the sexual distractions so give em a break so we can enjoy more fish down the road!

Many unexpected scenarios can unfold out on the water. Monday was a great one! After getting on some stripers early, we busted downstream a bit to search for more. As we approached a bridge we could here a cat meowing. We scanned the banks and then, there she was, clinging to the one remaining branch of a logjam in the middle of the river. As we rowed over to her she jumped in the river, fighting the 5200 cfs current and came to hand. After the sun dried her fur, she curled up in my lap and slept as we rowed on.....and the fish were still hungry.

Do you know what a redd is? A redd is where trout lay their eggs and reproduce. Knowing how to identify a redd is crucial during Spring and Fall as fish set up camp to spawn and will remain there for sometimes months. Shallow rocky areas of a stream known as shoals provide this haven for a trout's reproduction. Redds contain the smallest stones and pebbles in a given stream and allow the female create her nest and cover her eggs so they cannot be swept downstream. The males then move onto the redds to fertilize the eggs and the cycle of life continues. When wade fishing, it is our duty to recognize these features of the riverbed and avoid walking on or over redds. The same can be said for floaters that may scrape the bottom through shallow areas of the stream. Crushed eggs = less fish in the future. What angler would wish for less fish in their favorite waters?

A conundrum with spawning trout is that these fish, male and female, make themselves highly susceptible to birds and anglers as they are on display in shallow water. This can be hard for an angler to ignore but we must realize they need to do their thing and make more fish for the future. Spawning fish do not feed heavily due to all the sexual distractions so give em a break so we can enjoy more fish down the road!